Patients with kidney disease now have greater access to inpatient dialysis with the opening of a dedicated unit within Ipswich Hospital.
The new Acute Haemodialysis Unit (AHU) has been given a purpose-built home through the Queensland Government’s $22 million Ipswich Hospital Expansion Minor Works project.
The expansion of the service brings comfort to patients who previously had to travel elsewhere for their treatment.
The six-bed unit has expanded the capacity of the acute service to 72 sessions of haemodialysis each week.
The West Moreton Kidney Health Service supports about 1000 people with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
About 24,000 West Moreton adults are estimated to have at least one biomedical sign of CKD, such as reduced kidney function.
You may not know you have early-stage kidney disease as there are usually no obvious signs. Ask your GP for a kidney health test as part of your regular check-ups.
Quotes attributable to Health Minister Shannon Fentiman:
“We know that some people are required to travel up to three times a week to receive haemodialysis treatment for chronic kidney disease (CKD).
“It is fantastic to announce that Ipswich Hospital now offers a complete kidney service, which includes access to care from highly experienced nursing and medical staff, who’re providing the best quality of care.
“The unit is equipped with cardiac monitoring to provide a higher level of care if required, lowering the number of transfers to the Intensive Care Unit.
“Queenslanders deserve quality healthcare close to home and the Palaszczuk Government is delivering that for Ipswich.”
Quotes attributable to Ipswich MP Jennifer Howard:
“The health and wellbeing of people in the Ipswich region is a priority for me, and one that is shared by the Palaszczuk Government.
“As a fast-growing region, it’s great to see the completion of our new Acute Haemodialysis Unit and to know that people will have increased and improved access to the health care they need.”
Quotes attributable to Jordan MP Charis Mullen:
“This is a huge win for present and future dialysis patients in the region, who no longer have to travel to the city to get their life-sustaining treatment.
“The facility will provide an incredible space for our health care workers to provide dialysis treatment.”
Quotes attributable to Bundamba MP Lance McCallum:
“The new facility will provide more than 3700 occasions of service for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
“This is great news for dialysis patients who will now have access to better health services closer to home.”
Quotes attributable to Ipswich West MP Jim Madden:
“New facilities like the Acute Haemodialysis Unit mean better health services for people right across the region.”
Ipswich Hospital Senior Staff Specialist of Nephrology, Associate Professor Sree Krishna Venuthurupalli:
“Patients can now receive the care they require at Ipswich Hospital, without needing to be transferred to a metropolitan hospital to continue their kidney health treatment.”
Fast facts:
Kidney statistics:
- 1 in 3 Queensland adults are at increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease.
- 90 per cent of kidney function can be lost before kidney disease symptoms are felt. Recognising the risk factors that may affect you and your potential for developing kidney disease is the first step to maintaining kidney health.
- Kidney disease is treatable if caught early.
- This 2-minute online test can determine your risk of kidney disease: Kidney Health Australia | Risk Test
Kidneys are vital to health. They:
- Balance the body’s fluids by making about one to two litres of urine every day.
- Remove waste products from the body.
- Remove drugs from the body.
- Create hormones that help produce red blood cells, promote bone health and regulate blood pressure.
